SCST SEPT 13 - STOLIT JUST GETS HOME

By Graham Potter | Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Sunshine Coast, September 13, 2009.
Track - Good 3. Rail - Out 2m.
Open Handicap - 1200m. Time: 1-11.51.
1 Stolit; 2 Ima Joker; 3 Geebeetee.

The Trevor Miller trained Stolit railed up to lead early and he dictated the pace of the race until the turn where he was quickly joined by Ima Joker who moved up to challenge for the lead.

These two runners then became involved in a protracted battle which lasted the full length of the straight. Stolit always held a narrow advantage, but Ima Joker refused to go away and the race went down to the wire with Stolit just prevailing by the narrowest of margins to claim the seventh win of his career.

WINNER FEEDBACK:
Trainer Trevor Miller: “He just doesn’t race well at Eagle Farm (where he finished last in his previous start). He’s just got a different stride when he races here at this track. His work’s been very good. He puts in the effort here, but he just doesn’t race like that in town. He’s good enough to win town but, for some good reason, he just hasn’t been putting in.

“No, I don’t think it’s to do with travelling. It’s just something in his head. Hopefully a run like today will give that bit of confidence which can help him later down the track.”

Apprentice jockey Jason Kropp: “He went beautifully ... you know, I just put him up there. He really likes this track here and as long as he is left alone in the lead he goes really well. He just puts in, you know. It was a real good finish and he put in the effort all the way to the line. It was close. I looked across and I though, gee, did I get it, but he’d done the job.”

STEWARDS REPORT EXTRACT:
Ima Joker lost its off-fore plate whilst proceeding to the barriers, necessitating that horse having to be replated. Mauries Pick (K. Sawyers), Kanpeki (S. Katsidis) and Ima Joker (J. Brown) were all slow to begin. Geebeetee (C. Reith) jumped in the air at the start and lost ground. Striking Victory (M. Hellyer), Ima Joker (J. Brown) and Craiglea Warrior (A. Kitson) raced wide for the majority of the event.